Much loved Rainbow's End decades-old Pirate Ship ride to be axed

The beloved Pirate Ship ride at Rainbow's End is set to say goodbye to make way for new attractions at the amusement park.

"After many years of fun, laughter and butterflies in stomachs the Pirate Ship will be retiring soon to make way for new, exciting attractions in the future," Rainbow's End wrote on Facebook.

The 34-year-old ride is making its last swing on August 19, Rainbow's End announced in a statement.

Marketing manager Katharine Murray said there is a lot of nostalgia associated with the ride.

"It's been a ride that parents have brought their children back to experience years later," she said.

Rainbow's End chief Chris Deere said the ongoing upkeep and maintenance costs, coupled with a desire to add more rides led to the decision.

"We have exciting plans for this area however so have decided that the time is now right to retire this ride and invest in an exciting new attraction as part of the park's ongoing capital investment programme."